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Our Little Cuban Cousin 


The Little Cousin Series 

By Mary Hazelton Wade 

Ten volumes , illustrated. 

£ 

PRE VIOUSL V ISSUED 

Our Little Japanese Cousin 
Our Little Brown Cousin 
Our Little Indian Cousin 
Our Little Russian Cousin 
NO IV READY 
Our Little Cuban Cousin 
Our Little Hawaiian Cousin 
Our Little Eskimo Cousin 
Our Little Philippine Cousin 
Our Little Porto Rican Cousin 
Our Little African Cousin 

Each volume illustrated with six full-page plates 
in tints, from drawings by L. J. Bridgman 
Cloth, i2mo, with decorative cover, per volume, 
50 cents net. (Postage, 6 cents additional) 

£ 

L. C PAGE & COMPANY, 
New England Building, Boston 








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THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Received 

JUN. 30 1902 


Copyright entry 
CLASS ^VXc. No. 


COPY B. 


Copyright , 1902 
By L. C. Page & Company 

(incorporated) 

All rights reserved 


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Published, June, 1902 


(Colonial 

Electrotyped and Printed by C H. Simonds & Co. 
Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 


Preface 


Largest of all the fair West Indian Islands 
which lie in our open doorway is Cuba. The 
great south doorway to the United States and 
all North America, you know, is the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

But recently, as we all remember, we have 
had war and bloodshed at this doorway. The 
Spanish government, in trying to subdue its 
rebellious province of Cuba, brought great 
hardship and suffering upon the Cuban people, 
our neighbours, and our government at last 
decided that such things must not be at our 
very doorway. So to-day Cuba is free, and 
the great trouble of war is over and past for 
her. 


VI 


Preface 


Yet, though war no longer troubles the 
Cuban people, they have many new hardships 
and difficulties to contend with, and need the 
friendly help of their more fortunate neigh- 
bours scarcely less than before. Now, in 
order that we may be able to help our friends 
and neighbours, the Cubans, we must know 
them better, and surely we shall all feel a 
stronger interest than ever before in their wel- 
fare. So we shall be glad to meet and know 
our little Cuban neighbour, Maria. 

We shall ask to have what Maria says 
translated for us, for most of us do not under- 
stand the Spanish language, which Maria 
speaks. We must remember, too, to pro- 
nounce her name as if it were spelled Mah- 
reeah, for that is the way she and her family 
pronounce it. Our Cuban cousins, you know, 
like our cousins in Porto Rico, are descended 
from the dark-eyed, dark-haired Spanish peo- 
ple. Their forefathers came over seas from 


Preface 


vii 

Spain to Cuba, as the English colonists came 
across the ocean to our country, which is now 
the United States. 

Yet we must remember that the Spanish 
people and the English people are near akin 
in the great human family. They both be- 
long to the white race ; and so we shall call our 
black-eyed little neighbour our near cousin. 
Welcome, then, to our little Cuban cousin ! 










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CHAPTER 

Contents 


PAGE 

I. 

Danger . 

. 

9 

II. 

The Picnic .... 

. , 

. 1 7 

III. 

Legends . . . . 

. 

. 29 

IV. 

Next-Door Neighbours . 

. 

• 37 

V. 

Sugar 

. . 

• 45 

VI. 

The Quarters . 

. 

• 53 

VII. 

Home Again 

. 

. 61 

VIII. 

Startling News 

. 

. 64 

IX. 

First Years in the New 

World . 

. 72 

X. 

The Merrimac . 

. . 

. 81 

XI. 

Victory . . . . 

. 

. 90 

XII. 

Havana . . . . 

. 

• 97 


Our Little Cuban Cousin 





List of Illustrations 


PAGE 

Maria ........ Frontispiece 

“‘I COUNTED THREE DIFFERENT FORTS OF THE 

ENEMY’” 21 

“They sat back in the low, broad seat” . 39 ^ 

“ The machines made a steady, grinding 

SOUND ” 50 

“‘It is like a big lizard’” . . . 76 ^ 

“ The American flag was waving and peace 

RULED IN THE LAND” IOO t 


Our Little Cuban Cousin 



Our Little Cuban Cousin 


CHAPTER I. 

DANGER. 

“ Maria ! Maria ! Maria ! ” was the low 
call from some unknown direction. It sounded 
like a whisper, yet it must have travelled from 
a distance. Low as it was, the little girl dozing 
in the hammock in the lemon grove was awake 
in an instant. She sprang out and stood with 
hands shading her eyes, looking for the owner 
of the voice. 

She well knew what it meant. Ramon was 
the only one who had agreed to call in this 
way. It was a sign of danger ! It meant, 


9 


io Our Little Cuban Cousin 


“ The enemy are coming. Look out and get 
ready.” Shouldn't you think our little Cuban 
cousin would have trembled and cried, or at 
least run for protection to her mother ? 

Maria was only nine years old. She was a 
perfect fairy of a child, with tiny hands and 
feet and soft black eyes. But she was used to 
war by this time. She never knew when she 
went to sleep at night but that her home 
would be burnt down by the cruel Spaniards 
before the end of another day. 

Ramon got up before sunrise this morning. 
He had been away from home for several 
hours. He had gone out in the country “ to 
look around,” as he said. From his own front 
door the burning roofs of the houses of old 
friends not a mile distant could be seen the 
night before. The Spanish troops must be 
near. Who could say but that the boy's own 
home would suffer next ? 

He was tall and active, and he longed very 


Danger 


1 1 

much to help his people. They had suffered 
much from their Spanish rulers and now they 
were working hard for freedom. But Ramon's 
father had been ill for a long time. He was 
growing weaker every day. The boy’s mother 
looked very sad at times. Her eyes filled 
with tears when she said : 

“ My dear boy, you must not leave us now. 
Your duty lies at home. You must be your 
father’s right hand and protect your little 
sisters and myself.” 

The Diaz children lived in a cosy little 
home in the country. It was only a few miles 
from Havana. Their father had a small sugar 
plantation. He had been able to raise enough 
sugar to buy everything the family needed 
until lately. But now times were very hard. 
It was not easy to sell the sugar; besides this, 
the good man and his family were in constant 
danger. 

What had they done? you ask. Nothing. 


12 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


They did not love their Spanish rulers, to be 
sure, and they believed their countrymen were 
fighting justly to free their beautiful island 
home. They would help these countrymen, 
or insurgents, as they were called, if they had 
a chance. 

But Maria’s father had never, himself, 
fought against the Spaniards. He was a quiet, 
kindly gentleman, and he had no love for war. 
What did the Spaniards care for that ? They 
might say to themselves : 

“ This man has a pleasant home. He raises 
sugar. He may give food and shelter to those 
daring Cuban soldiers. Then they can keep 
up their strength and be able to keep up the 
fight against us all the longer.” 

So far Maria’s home had been spared. 
Although many other houses near her had 
been burned, hers stood safe and unharmed 
yet. But “ To-morrow is another day,” the 
child often repeated to herself, after the man- 


Danger 


13 


ner of her people. That meant, “ Although I 
am safe now, no one knows what will come 
next.” Then Maria would sigh for a moment 
and look sad. But she was naturally merry 
and gay, and the next moment would be danc- 
ing about and humming a lively tune. 

What news was her brave brother bringing 
this morning? As soon as he came in sight, 
Maria ran to meet him. The sun was very 
hot and the little girl’s head was bare, but she 
did not think of these things. The Spaniards ! 
The Spaniards ! made the only picture she 
could see. 

As soon as she was within easy call, Ramon 
told her that a company of the enemy was only 
two miles away. He had been very close to 
them. He had even heard them talking to- 
gether while he hid in the bushes. 

“Just think, Maria,” he exclaimed, “ they 
were laughing at the easy time they would 
have in breaking our spirit. They said that 


14 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

before long they would starve us into giving 
up. I rather think they won’t. Do you 
know, Maria, I believe God will send us help 
if we are only patient. The Americans live 
so near us, I don’t see how they can help taking 
our part, when they know the way we are 
treated. But come, we must hurry and tell 
father the news. He will know what we 
ought to do to get ready for a visit to-day.” 

The children hurried to the house, and 
soon every one was in a state of the greatest 
excitement. When Senor Diaz was told of 
the approach of the Spaniards, he said, in his 
gentle voice, “ We would best have a picnic.” 

The children looked greatly astonished at 
the idea of a picnic at such a time, but their 
father went on to explain. He had often 
thought of the coming of the Spanish troops. 
He had made a plan in case he should hear of 
their approach. The house should be locked 
up ; all the family should go down to the shore 


Danger 


15 


of a small lake a quarter of a mile back in the 
woods. The path that led to this lake was so 
hidden that a stranger would not know it was 
there. Ramon could lead the oxen ; the father 
thought that he was strong enough to guide 
the horse to the picnic-ground. 

If the Spaniards found no one about the 
house, and no animals worth capturing, they 
might possibly pass by without doing any 
harm. 

Senora Diaz and old black Paulina got a 
hasty luncheon ready. Maria said she must 
certainly take her sewing materials, for she 
was going to embroider some insurgent em- 
blems. Her little sister, Isabella, carried her 
pet kitten in her arms, and cried because the 
parrot must be left behind. 

“ He’ll be so lonesome,” she said ; “ and I 
just know he’ll call ‘ Isabella’ all day long.” 

The dear little girl cried hard, but every- 
body’s hands were so full that Mr. Poll was 


1 6 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


left in the house. A big linen cloth was 
stretched over the cage. If kept in the dark, 
he would probably be still, and not attract the 
attention of the soldiers, if they stopped and 
looked in. The black man servant, Miguel, 
stayed behind to shut up the chickens in 
barrels, but would follow the rest of the party 
in a few moments. 

The path led in and out through the beauti- 
ful southern woods. There were cocoanut- 
palms and ebony and mahogany trees, while 
underneath were creeping vines and bushes, 
making a close thicket of underbrush. There 
was no talking. The family crept along as 
quietly as possible, lest they should be heard 
and followed. For by this time the enemy 
must be very near. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE PICNIC. 

In a few minutes the lake was in sight. It 
was a very pretty sheet of water. A tiny boat 
rocked to and fro close to the shore, for 
Ramon and Maria often came here to row 
about the quiet lake. 

Ramon soon had two hammocks swinging 
between the trees for his father and mother. 
The lunch was spread out on the ground, as 
it was already past the time for the noonday 
meal. 

“ What did they have to eat ? ” you ask. 
There were some delicate white rolls, that 
Paulina knew how to make so nicely. There 
was guava jelly to eat on the rolls ; fresh 
lemons and newly made sugar from which to 


17 


1 8 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


make a refreshing drink. Besides these, there 
was plenty of cold fried chicken. Could any 
children have a nicer picnic lunch than this, 
even if a long time had been spent in getting 
ready for it ? 

The guava jelly looked just as clear and 
beautiful as that which is brought to America, 
and sold here at such a high price. Did you 
ever see it in the stores of Boston or New 
York, and think how nice it must taste ? Per- 
haps your mother has bought it for you when 
you were getting well after a long illness, and 
wished to tempt your appetite by some new 
dainty. Maria has several guava-trees near 
her home. Paulina makes so much jelly from 
the ripe fruit that perhaps the little girl does 
not realise how nice it is. 

After the lunch, Senor Diaz stretched him- 
self in one of the hammocks for a quiet rest. 
He was very tired after his walk through the 
woods. He was also troubled over the sad 


The Picnic 


19 


state of things in his country, and was worried 
that he was not strong enough to take a more 
active part against the enemy. His wife lay 
down in the other hammock for a noonday 
nap, after which she promised to help Maria 
in her sewing. 

Paulina gathered the remains of the lunch 
and put things in order, while the three 
children rowed around the lake. 

“ Wont you hear me read out of my 
primer, Maria?” said Isabella. “Ramon, 
dear, give your oars a rest, and float for 
a little while. You can listen, too, and I 
know you’ll like my lesson to-day.” 

The little girl was just learning to read, and 
she had a book printed by the insurgents. 
No one had to urge her to study, for even 
her own little primer was made up of stories 
about the war. She had tucked her loved book 
in the loose waist of her dress when she left 
the house. No one had noticed it before. 


20 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

“Why, yes, my darling sister, certainly I 
will listen, and help you with the big words, 
too,” answered Maria, while Ramon drew in 
his oars, and lay back in the boat with a 
pleasant smile. Of course the words were all 
Spanish, because that was the only language 
the children had ever learned. Isabella read : 

“ My papa is in the army of the Cubans. 
He fights to make us free. Do you hear the 
cannon roar? Our men will bring victory. 
Long live Cuba ! ” 

When Isabella came to the word “ victory,” 
Maria had to help her. It was such a big 
word for the six-year-old child to pronounce. 
She looked at it again and again, repeating it 
slowly to herself. Then she said : 

“ IT/ never fail on that word again, Maria, 
no matter where it is. How I would like to 
see it in great big letters on a silk banner ! 
I’d wave it all day long.” 

This was a good deal for such a little girl 



“ i I COUNTED THREE DIFFERENT FORTS OF THE ENEMY 


> >> 





































The Picnic 


21 


to say, but then, you know, she was living 
in the midst of war. 

“ Good for you/’ said her brother; “ we’ll 
all live yet to see the words of your primer 
come true. Long live free Cuba ! I say. But 
come, let's go on shore, and play war. You 
and Maria can be the Spaniards, and I’ll be 
the insurgent army. You just see how I will 
make short work of taking you prisoners." 

The children landed under a big cotton- 
tree. They made a fort out of dead branches 
which they gathered. This fort was to belong 
to the Spanish troops. The two girls placed 
themselves behind it, and stood ready to de- 
fend themselves. It was not many minutes 
before Ramon took them by surprise, and 
dragged them to the boat, which stood for 
the Cuban headquarters. 

cc Do you know," said the boy, when they 
stopped to rest a few minutes from their sport, 
“ I counted three different forts of the enemy 


22 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


during my tramp this morning. The cowardly 
Spaniards don’t dare to march very far away 
from those forts. They really don’t give our 
men a chance to have a good fair battle. 
They think by having plenty of forts they 
can keep our soldiers from getting into the 
cities. Then they will scare the rest of us 
who live in the country from feeding them. 
In that way we will be starved into giving in. 
We’ll see, that’s all.” 

By this time Maria could see that her 
mother had waked up and left the hammock. 

“ She will be ready to help me with my 
work now,” said Maria. “ Don’t you want 
to come and watch me embroider, Isabella ? ” 

The two girls were soon sitting beside their 
mother, while Ramon went with Miguel on a 
hunt for birds. The insurgent emblems which 
Maria was so eager to make were to be given 
to the Cuban soldiers. They were to wear 
beneath their coats. Suppose that an in- 


The Picnic 


23 


surgent should stop at any place, and ask 
for food and rest ; how would the people 
know that he was true to his country, and 
not a friend of the Spaniards? He could 
show his little piece of flannel with the watch- 
word of the Cubans embroidered upon it. 
That was the only thing needed. The people 
would be safe now in giving him help. 

Maria did her work very nicely. She made 
a scalloped edge with red silk all around the 
white cloth. A crimson heart on a green 
cross must then be made, with underneath 
these words : 

“ Be of good cheer. The heart of Jesus is 
with me.” 

Two hours went by before Ramon came 
back. Miguel and he were bringing a large 
net full of birds. Of course, they had done 
no shooting. That would not have been wise 
when Spanish soldiers might be near to hear 
the noise. No, they had searched through 


24 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

the woods till they found some sour orange 
trees. The fruit was ripe now and there were 
sure to be numbers of parrots around. They 
could be caught in the net that Miguel had 
brought from the house that morning. They 
had to creep along very quietly so as to take 
the birds by surprise. 

They had great success, it seemed ; but what 
would the family do with a dozen dead par- 
rots ? Eat them, to be sure. Paulina would 
make a fine stew for dinner that very night. 
That is, of course, if they were fortunate enough 
to find the house still standing when they 
reached home. The flesh of this bird is tough, 
and one wonders that Ramon and Maria are 
so fond of parrot stew. In Cuba there are 
many nicer birds for eating. But each one has 
his own tastes. No two people are alike, we 
have found out long ago. 

“ I discovered something in the woods that 
I want to show you girls/’ said Ramon. “ It’s 


The Picnic 


25 


only a little ways off. Won’t you come, too, 
mamma? It’s the dearest little nest I ever 
saw in my life. It must belong to a humming- 
bird.” 

Ramon’s mother and the children followed 
him till the boy stopped in front of a low 
bush. Hidden away under the leaves was the 
tiny nest. It was no bigger than a large thim- 
ble. It was made of cotton, bound together 
with two or three horse-hairs. 

“ I’m sure I couldn’t have sewed it as well 
as that,” said Maria. “ See how the threads 
are woven in and out. It’s wonderful what 
birds can do. But look at the eggs, mamma 
dear. See ! there are two of them. They 
aren’t any bigger than peas.” 

Just then the children heard a fluttering of 
tiny wings. It was Mrs. Humming-Bird who 
had come home. She was troubled at the 
sight of the strangers. 

“ Did you ever before see such a small 


26 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

bird ? ” whispered Isabella. “ She looks like 
a butterfly, and a small one, too. Aren’t 
her colours beautiful ? ” 

“ We would best let her go back to her nest, 
now, my dears,” said Senora Diaz. “ You 
can watch, Ramon, and find out when the 
baby birds hatch. We shall all like to see 
them, I’m sure.” 

They left the bush and turned back toward 
the lake. Ramon stopped again, however, 
when they came to a small lace-wood tree. 

“ You know you asked me to get you some 
of the wood to trim your doll’s dress, Isabella. 
Here is a good chance to get it. I’ll follow 
you in a few minutes.” 

Ramon took out his knife, and soon the 
young tree was cut away from the roots. It 
would take some time to strip off the bark. 
It must be done carefully and peeled off in 
one piece, so as to leave the pith of the tree 
quite smooth and whole. Several strips of 


The Picnic 


27 


delicate lace could be obtained from this pith. 
Now Isabella would be able to dress her doll 
in great elegance. She could ruffle the lace on 
the waist and flounces of the doll’s skirt and 
make it look as beautiful as though it cost a 
good deal of money. Isabella herself has 
a dress trimmed with the lace, but Paulina 
needs to be very careful when she irons it. It 
was growing dark when Ramon arrived at the 
shore with his tree. 

“ We will go back now,” said Senor Diaz, 
“ and see if the soldiers have left us our 
home.” 

All were soon making their way back to the 
house, which they found unharmed. Nothing 
had been touched by the enemy. Perhaps 
they had not thought it worth while to stop. 
At any rate, there was great joy in the Diaz 
family that evening as they sat on the balcony, 
sipping cups of hot sweetened water. The 
times were so hard they could not buy coffee, 


28 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


and guaraba , as they called it, was the next 
best thing. Maria is very fond of it. 

The children were so tired from the day’s 
excitement that by eight o’clock they were 
quite ready to go to dreamland. Isabella 
started first. She went up to her father and, 
placing her tiny hands across her breast, looked 
up into his eyes with a sweet, solemn look. 
He knew at once what it meant. She was 
asking an evening blessing before leaving him 
for the night. Every one in the room stopped 
talking ; all bowed their heads while the kind 
father said : 

“ May God bless my darling child, and all 
others of this household.” 

Maria and Ramon followed Isabella’s ex- 
ample, and soon the children were sound 
asleep. Isabella dreamed that she taught her 
loved parrot to say “ Liberty,” and was de- 
lighted at her success. 


CHAPTER III. 


LEGENDS. 

The next morning it rained quite hard, so 
the children had to stay in the house. 

“What shall we do with ourselves ? ” said 
Maria. “ Oh, I know. We’ll ask father to 
tell us stories.” 

“ What shall it be to-day ? ” he asked. “ Do 
you want a tale of old Spain, or shall it be 
the life of Columbus ; or maybe you would 
like a fairy story ? ” 

“ A fairy story ! A fairy story ! ” all cried 
together. 

“ Very well, then, this shall be a tale that 
our people heard in Europe a thousand years 
ago. 

“ It was long before Columbus dreamed of 


29 


30 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

his wonderful voyages across the Atlantic. It 
was before people had even thought of the 
idea of the roundness of the earth. They had 
such queer fancies in those days. Few men 
dared to sail far into the West. They be- 
lieved that if they did so they would come 
into a place of perfect darkness. 

“ Still they had one legend of a land across 
the Atlantic that was very beautiful. Many 
of our greatest men believed in it. It was 
called the Island of Youth, and people who 
reached it could live for ever, and never grow 
old.” 

“ What made them think there was such a 
place ? ” asked Maria, with wide-open eyes. 

“ They had heard that long ago there was a 
very brave young man. He had a wonderful 
horse as white as the foam of the ocean. 
Strange to say, this horse could carry him 
through the water more safely than the 
stoutest boat. As he was looking for ad- 


Legends 


3i 


venture, he started off on the back of his 
fairy steed to cross the ocean. 

“ After he had travelled for some distance, 
he stopped to kill a giant who had enchanted 
a princess. When the giant was dead, and 
the beautiful maiden was free once more, he 
travelled on till he came to a land where the 
trees were loaded with birds. The air was 
filled with their sweet music. 

“ He stayed in this land for a hundred 
years. He was merry and gay all the time. 
He was never ill, and never tired.” 

“ But wasn’t he lonesome? ” asked Ramon. 
“ I should think he would wish for other 
company besides the birds.” 

“ Oh, there were many other people there, 
of course, and as our traveller was fond of 
shooting, he had great sport hunting the deer. 

“ But at last something happened to make 
him think of his old home and friends. It 
was a rusty spear that came floating to the 


32 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

shore one day. It must have travelled across 
the ocean. The young man grew sad with 
longing for the scenes of his early days. He 
mounted his white steed once more, plunged 
into the ocean, and at last reached his own 
home. 

“ But think, children. It was a hundred 
years since he had seen it. His old friends 
were all dead. The people seemed like dwarfs. 
I suppose he must have grown in size and 
strength while away on the Island of Youth. 
At any rate, his own home was not what he 
expected to find it. He had no wish to live 
longer. He lay down and died. The Island 
of Youth had not been such a great blessing 
to him, after all. 

“ Another story used to be told in Spain of 
the Island of Seven Cities. It was a legend 
of our own Cuba, for all we know. People 
said that a thousand years before Columbus 
crossed the Atlantic, an archbishop was driven 


Legends 


33 


away from Spain. Why was it? He was 
untrue to his king. He sailed far from his 
country with a goodly company of men and 
women. 

“After a long voyage they reached a land 
which they called Antilla. There were people 
already living here. They were kind and 
gentle. 

“ The archbishop divided the land into 
seven parts. He built churches and other 
fine buildings. He got the natives to help 
him. All lived together in peace and 
happiness. 

“ But look, children, the rain has stopped 
falling, and the sun is shining. You can go 
outdoors now, and amuse yourselves. Before 
you leave, however, let me ask you a question 
in geography. 

“ Cuba is shaped like what animal ? Think 
how long and narrow it is, and of the ridge of 
mountains running through the centre of the 


34 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

island. I will give you until to-morrow to 
guess the answer. 

“ And, by the way, did you ever think that 
our home is really the top of a row of moun- 
tains reaching up from the floor of the ocean ? 
Ah, what wonders would be seen in the val- 
leys below us, if we could journey under the 
water, and explore it for ourselves ! ” 

Just as the good man stopped speaking, 
Miguel knocked at the door. Two ragged 
little girls were standing at his side. They 
were strangers. Where had they come from 
during the hard rain of the morning ? 

It seemed that Miguel had been tramping 
through the woods after game. He did not 
care for the rain. He was a good-natured 
servant, and was always ready to make pleas- 
ant surprises for the family. When he was 
about four miles from home, he came upon an 
unexpected camp. There were about thirty 
people in it. There, on the mountainside, 


Legends 


35 


they had made rough huts to live in. There 
were not only men and women, but little 
children, also. They had been here for two 
or three weeks. 

What a sad story they had to tell ! It was 
the old story. They wished to be peaceful ; 
they did not join the army of the Cubans. 
Still, they might possibly help them in some 
little way. But they did not go to the great 
city. They fled to the woods on the moun- 
tainside. They kept themselves from starv- 
ing by gathering berries and wild fruit. Their 
children were sent out every morning to the 
country homes which were not too far off to 
beg for food and help. 

“ Poor little children ! ” exclaimed Maria, 
when Miguel had finished his story. “We 
will help you all we can, won’t we, papa ? ” 
And the child’s eyes were full of tears, as she 
said : 


“ We may be homeless like them, yet.” 


36 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Isabella ran to call her mother and ask her 
help. Clothing was collected, and all the 
food the family could spare was put into 
baskets. It was far too large a load for the 
little girls to carry, so Ramon and Miguel 
went with them. 

“ What a good servant Miguel is ! ” said 
Senor Diaz to his wife, after they were gone. 
“ So many of the blacks are lazy, and only 
think of their own comfort. But Miguel 
is always good-natured and ready to help.” 


CHAPTER IV. 


NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOURS. 

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The 
birds were singing gaily outside. Maria 
opened her eyes. Perhaps she would have 
slept longer if she had not been wakened by 
a sound in the next room. It was Ramon 
who was calling. 

“ Say, Maria, what shall we do to-day while 
father and mother are gone to church ? Let’s 
go over to the plantation. You know we’ve 
been invited ever so many times, and it is 
such fun watching the men at work.” 

“ All right,” said Maria, “ but there’s no 
hurry. We will wait till after the folks have 
gone before we start.” 

Just beyond the home of the Diaz children 


37 


38 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


was an immense sugar plantation. It covered 
at least a square mile of land. The rich 
planter who owned it employed more than 
a hundred black men. It was cutting season 
now, and the work was carried on day and 
night, both Sundays and week-days. Sunday 
afternoon, however, was a half-holiday, even 
in the busiest time, and the black people then 
gave themselves up to merrymaking, no mat- 
ter how tired they were. 

By nine o’clock Senor Diaz and his wife 
had left home in the oddest-looking carriage 
you ever heard of. It was a volant e. There 
is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. 
It looked somewhat like an old-fashioned 
chaise. It had immense wheels, and the 
shafts were at least sixteen feet long. 

We think at once, how clumsily one must 
move along in such a carriage. But it is not 
so. It is the best thing possible for travelling 
over the rough roads of Cuba. It swings 





“they sat back in the low, broad seat 

















e 






d M 

V* 







Next-Door Neighbours 39 


along from side to side so easily that a person 
is not bumped or jostled as he would be in 
any other kind of carriage. But one does not 
see many new volantes in Cuba now. They 
are going out of fashion. 

Senor Diaz was very proud of this carriage 
when it was new. It was trimmed with bands 
of silver. It had beautiful silk cushions. 
Even now, the good man and his wife looked 
quite elegant as they sat back in the low, 
broad seat. Isabella sat between them. 

Miguel rode on the horse’s back as driver. 
He wore a scarlet jacket trimmed with gold 
braid. He had on high boots with spurs at 
his heels. He felt very proud. It made very 
little difference to him that his coat was badly 
torn and the braid was tarnished. These were 
war-times and one could not expect new 
clothes. 

cc If the people at the great house invite you 
to stay till evening, you may do so,” said 


40 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Senor Diaz to his two older children just as he 
was driving away. “ I know you will be gentle- 
manly, Ramon ; and Maria dear, my little 
daughter will certainly be quiet and ladylike.” 

Away swung the volante down the road, 
while Ramon and Maria put on their wide 
straw hats and started across the fields for the 
rich sugar planter’s home. They looked very 
pretty as they moved along under the shade- 
trees. Both were barefooted ; Maria wore a 
simple white dress, and Ramon a linen shirt 
and trousers. 

They reached their neighbour’s grounds in 
a few minutes. They soon found themselves 
in front of a large, low house with beautiful 
gardens and shade-trees around it. But of 
what was the house made? It was of the 
same material as Maria’s home, yet we see 
nothing like it in our own country. It was 
neither brick, nor wood, nor stone. Maria 
would say to us : 


Next-Door Neighbours 41 


“ Why, this is ‘ adobe,’ and it keeps out 
the sun’s hot rays nicely. Don’t you know 
what adobe is ? It is a mixture of clay and 
sand dried by the sun. Some people call it 
unburnt brick. It was nearly white when the 
house was new, but now you see it is quite 
yellow.” 

There was no glass in the window-cases. 
In such a warm land as Cuba glass would keep 
out the air too much, and the people inside 
would suffer from the heat. But there were 
iron bars across the casements ; there were also 
shutters to protect the house from the sun and 
rain. 

The children went in at the door, opened 
by a black servant. She looked kind and 
pleasant, and showed two rows of white teeth 
as she smiled at the young visitors. A gor- 
geous yellow bandanna was wound around her 
head. 

“ Come right in, little dears. Massa and 


42 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

missus will be glad to see you ; little Miss 
Lucia has been wishing for company to-day.” 

She led Ramon and Maria into a large 
sitting-room with two rows of rocking-chairs 
opposite each other. They stretched nearly 
from one end of the room to the other. There 
was scarcely any other furniture. 

A minute afterward, Lucia opened the door. 
She was about Maria's age and very pretty. 
But she was dressed like a grown-up young 
lady. She carried in her hand a dainty little 
fan, which she moved gracefully as she talked. 

“Oh, I am so glad to see you,” she cried. 
“ But let us go out into the garden ; it is much 
pleasanter there ; don't you think so ? I want 
to show you my sensitive plant. Did you 
ever have one ? ” 

Maria and Ramon had heard their father 
speak of this plant, but they had never hap- 
pened to see one themselves. They followed 
Lucia out on the balcony. A morning-glory 


N ext - Door N eighbours 43 

vine was trailing up the trelliswork. It was 
bright with its delicate blossoms, pink and 
blue and purple. Close beside it was the 
sensitive plant. 

“ It came up of itself,” said Lucia. “That 
is, you know, it was not planted by any one. 
You see its leaves are wide open now. It is 
keeping the morning-glory blossoms company. 
Perhaps they are talking together. Who 
knows ? But when night comes it will close 
up in the same way as the petals of its 
next-door neighbour.” 

“ Now, Ramon, just touch the leaves 
gently.” 

“ Why, it acts as if afraid of me, doesn’t 
it ? ” said the boy. c< See how it shrinks away, 
even before I take hold of it. I declare, it 
knows more than some animals.” 

“ Would you like to ride around the planta- 
tion ? We have three ponies ; so each one of 
us can have one,” said their little hostess. 


44 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Her visitors were delighted at the idea. 
While a servant was sent for the ponies the 
children sat down under a royal palm-tree. 
It stood at least sixty feet high. Its trunk 
was perfectly straight. Far up at the top was 
the wide-spreading plume of leaves. There 
were no branches at the sides. 

“ I just love this tree,” said Lucia. “ It 
seems so strong as well as beautiful. Isn’t it 
queer that the trunk of such a big tree should 
be hollow ? ” 

“ I think it queerer still that the roots 
should be so small and fine,” answered 
Ramon. “ Did you ever eat what is found 
at the top of the royal palm ? Everybody 
says it is delicious.” 

“ Yes, we had it boiled once for a dinner- 
party,” said Lucia. “ It was delicious, but 
you know it kills the tree to take it off ; so 
father says it is almost wicked to get it. I 
think he is right.” 


CHAPTER V. 

SUGAR. 

By this time the ponies had been brought 
up, and the young riders started off. 

How high the sugar-canes stood! The 
children could not see over the tops, even 
from their ponies' backs. The long, narrow 
leaves hung down much like our own Indian 
corn. Far up on each plant was a feathery 
white plume. The stalks were now a golden 
yellow colour. This was Mother Nature’s 
sign that the cane was full of sap. 

At Maria’s home the cane had been already 
cut and made into sugar. But there were 
only two or three fields. Here, on Lucia’s 
plantation, there were hundreds of acres. The 


45 


46 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

men had been working for weeks already, and 
it was not yet half cut. 

“ Oh, look, Ramon ! ” said Maria, “ see that 
dear little black baby asleep between the canes. 
She can’t be more than two years old. The 
other children must have gone away and for- 
gotten her.” 

Ramon jumped down, and, picking up the 
little tot, lifted her up in front of him on 
the pony’s back. She had been waked up 
so suddenly that she began to cry. But 
when the others smiled at her she rolled 
her big eyes around, and soon began to 
laugh. She was going to have a ride with 
white children, and that was a grand event in 
her life. 

A turn in the rough road showed an ox- 
cart ahead. How small the Cuban oxen are ! 
But they are such gentle, patient creatures, a 
child could drive them. How they pushed 
ahead with their heavy load ! 


Sugar 


47 


When they were young a hole had been 
bored through the centre of their nostrils, and 
an iron ring was passed through. When the 
oxen were harnessed a rope was fastened on 
each side of this ring. The black driver held 
the ends of the rope, and guided the oxen. 
He had no whip, for it was not needed. 

“ Let’s follow him up to the top of the hill,” 
said Lucia. “ He must carry his load to the 
boiler-house that way, and I do like to watch 
the oxen go down a steep place. There, see ! 
The man will not even get off ; he’s perfectly 
safe.” 

As the heavily loaded wagon passed over 
the brow of the hill, the oxen squatted down 
like dogs, and seemed to slide rather than 
walk, till they reached the foot. 

“ Bravo ! ” shouted Ramon. “ I’d trust 
such creatures anywhere. They ought to be 
rewarded with a good supper to-night. And 
now that they have reached level ground see 


48 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

how well they trot along. These dear little 
ponies cannot do much better.” 

The children still followed the ox-cart, and 
soon reached the sugar-mill. Immense ma- 
chines were crushing the canes, and the sap 
was flowing into great tanks from which it was 
afterward taken to be boiled. 

“ What does the molasses come from ? ” 
you may ask. All Cuban children would tell 
you at once that it is the drippings from the 
newly made sugar. 

Lucia’s father does not sell his molasses, as 
do many other planters. He thinks it is not 
worth while. You cannot guess what use he 
makes of it. His work-people spread it on 
the ground to make it richer for the next 
year’s crop. 

His wife does not think of having it used in 
cooking, either, as American women do, and so 
Lucia has never tasted gingerbread in her life. 
Perhaps you feel sorry for her. Never mind. 


Sugar 


49 


She enjoys sucking the juice from the fresh 
sugar-cane as well as the black children on 
her father’s plantation ; she has as much of 
this as she wishes, so she never misses the 
molasses cookies and cakes you like so much. 

“ Lucia, how is it your father keeps on 
having the cane cut ? ” asked Ramon, as the 
children stood watching the sap boiling down 
to sugar. “You know, don’t you, a new law 
has been passed ordering the work stopped ? 
It is all because the Spaniards are afraid that 
the poor insurgents will get food and help 
from the sugar planters.” 

“Yes, I know,” answered Lucia. “I heard 
father talking about it. He said he had paid 
the government a large sum of money to let 
him keep on. So he’s all right. But perhaps 
I ought not to have said this, for it is his own 
business, and I should not repeat what I hear.” 

The children entered the sugar-mill, and 
stood watching the workers. Every one was 


50 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


so busy that no notice was taken of the young 
visitors. Here were great troughs full of the 
canes which were being crushed by heavy 
rollers ; the juice was flowing fast into the 
tanks below. And there were the caldrons 
full of the boiling syrup ; by their sides stood 
men with long, heavy skimmers stirring the 
juice, and taking off the scum which rose to 
the surface. 

There were large, shallow pans close by, 
where the sugar was placed to cool. The air 
was full of the sweet smell of the sugar ; the 
engines were clanking noisily ; the machines 
made a steady, grinding sound, and, above all, 
the cries of the negroes could be heard, as 
they called to each other at their work. 

A few minutes was long enough for the 
children to stay in this busy, steaming place. 
Then they went out again into the bright, 
clear air. After giving the black baby into 
the charge of one of the negro girls who was 



a 


1 ) 


THE MACHINES MADE A STEADY, GRINDING SOUND 








' 



. 

m 







Sugar 


5i 


standing near by, our little cousins mounted 
their ponies, and rode slowly back to the 
house. 

They passed field after field where men 
were cutting down the tall sugar-canes. How 
rapidly they moved along, leaving the ground 
quite clear, as they passed over it ! Was it 
such hard work ? They certainly bent over 
very much as they lifted the heavy, clumsy 
tools in their hands. These tools looked 
somewhat like long cheese-knives, only they 
were much thicker and heavier. 

Ramon would say, “ Why, those are ma- 
chetes. I wish I could use one now in defend- 
ing my country. Many a brave insurgent 
has nothing else to fight with excepting the 
machete he brought from his little farm. No 
guns can be obtained, for the Spaniards hold 
the cities, and will not allow any weapons to 
get to the Cubans. But those machetes will 
do great good yet.” 


52 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

As the boy watched the men working, he 
was thinking how differently he would like to 
use the machete, but he did not say anything 
of this kind to Lucia. He was just a little 
afraid that her father was not as anxious for 
Cuba to be free as he and his own parents 
were. 

When the children reached the house, 
Lucia’s parents insisted that Ramon and 
Maria should spend the day, and a delicious 
luncheon was now waiting for them. 

“This afternoon,” said the planter, “you 
may go over to the quarters and see the fun. 
You know it is a half-holiday, and there will 
be great good times among the blacks.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


THE QUARTERS. 

After a little rest in the garden, the chil- 
dren started out once more. This time they 
chose to walk, taking Lucia’s big dog with 
them for company. 

Even before they started, they could hear 
the sound of drums and shouting and laughter 
coming from the quarters. They did not 
have far to go before they came upon a crowd 
of black children. The boys were having a 
game of ball. It was so confused it would be 
hard to describe it. It certainly could not 
be called baseball, nor anything like it. 

And here were the cabins, built close to- 
gether. Cocoanut and mango trees shaded 
the little huts. Near each one was a small 
53 


54 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

garden where the people raised the vegetables 
they liked best. Okra was sure to be seen 
here, for what old mammy could be satisfied 
with her Sunday dinner unless she had some 
of this delicious plant in at least one of the 
dishes ? Here also was the chicota, much like 
our summer squash, and corn, on which the 
pigs must be fattened. 

As for fruits, there were custard-apple and 
sour-sop trees, the maumee, looking much 
like a melon ; besides many other things which 
grow so easily in the warm lands. Chickens 
were running about in every direction, while 
there seemed as many pens with pigs grunting 
inside as there were cabins. 

How happy the people all seemed ! That 
is, all but a baby here and there who had 
been forgotten by his mother and was cry- 
ing to keep himself company as he sprawled 
about on the ground. And how grand the 
women thought themselves in the bright 


The Quarters 55 

red and yellow bandannas wound around 
their heads ! 

You may be sure that all of the jewelry 
the people owned was worn that day. Maria 
could not help smiling at one young girl 
who had immense rings in her ears, three 
chains of glass beads around her neck, heavy 
brass rings on her fingers, and broad brace- 
lets that clinked together on her arms. She 
strutted around as proudly as the peacocks 
near by. 

They are handsome birds, but very vain and 
silly, like this poor black girl who seemed to 
admire herself so greatly. She tossed her 
head from side to side as she got ready to lead 
the dance. 

The drummer bent to his work with all his 
heart ; one pair of dancers after another took 
their places, and moved in perfect time with 
faster and faster steps. The crowd of by- 
standers watched them in admiration. 


56 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Under the shade of a mango-tree two black 
children were playing a game of dominoes. 

“ What a nice set it is,” said Ramon to his 
sister. “ I am going to ask them if they 
bought it. It must have cost quite a big sum 
for them to spend.” 

The older of the two players heard Ramon’s 
words. He looked up with a proud smile 
that made his mouth stretch from ear to ear 
as he said : 

“ I made them all myself, little master. I 
got the wood from an ebony-tree.” 

“ But of what did you make the white 
points set into the dominoes ? ” asked Ramon. 
“ They look like ivory.” 

“ I cut them out of alligator’s teeth, little 
master. Now didn’t I do well?” 

This was said with another broad grin and 
a big roll of his eyes that made Lucia and 
Maria laugh in spite of themselves. 

“Well, I should say so,” answered Ramon. 


The Quarters 


57 


“ You deserve a medal. But can you read 
and write ? A boy as smart as you ought to 
go to school.” 

“ No, little master. But that doesn’t trouble 
me any. I don’t need any learning,” was the 
answer. And no doubt the little fellow had 
no idea but that he was as well off as any 
one need be. He could play in the sunshine 
all day long and he had plenty of good food. 
Wasn’t his mother a fine cook, though ! He 
was right in thinking so, too, for she could 
make the nicest “ messes ” out of the herbs 
and vegetables growing in the little garden 
behind the cabin. 

There were melons and plantains in abun- 
dance ; salt fish or jerked beef to eat every day, 
and a long sleep at night on a straw bed in the 
cabin. Oh, life was a lovely thing ! And 
what should the little black boy know of the 
cruel war and the Cuban children who had 
been driven away from their homes? To be 


58 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

sure, he had heard sad stories in his life, but 
they were about the old times when his people 
were brought to Cuba as slaves. He had 
listened to his father’s tales of slavery, although 
he himself had been free ever since he was a 
little child. 

The boy’s grandfather was born far away in 
Africa where the sun was always hot. He 
had lived a wild, happy life in his little vil- 
lage under the palm-trees by the side of a 
broad river. As he grew up he hunted the 
panther and the elephant, and made scare- 
crows to frighten away the monkeys from the 
corn-fields. He was very happy. 

But one day a band of white men took the 
village by surprise. They took many other 
prisoners besides himself. The poor blacks 
were put in chains and driven on board boats 
in which the white men had come to the place. 

Down the river they sailed, never more to 
see their little thatched homes and have gay 


The Quarters 


59 


feasts under the palms. At last they came to 
the great ocean, where a large vessel was wait- 
ing for them. As they were packed away in 
the hold of the vessel, no notice was taken of 
their cries except a lash of the whip, now and 
then, across their bare backs. 

Then came the long voyage, and the dread- 
ful seasickness in the crowded hold of the 
vessel. Many died before the shores of Cuba 
came in sight. But when those who still 
lived were able once more to stand on dry 
land they were too weak and sick to care 
where they should go next. 

In a few days, however, they found them- 
selves working under masters on the sugar 
plantations, and making new homes and friends 
among those who were slaves like themselves. 

The little domino player told Manuel that 
his grandfather worked so faithfully that after 
awhile he was given a part of each day for 
his own use. In this way he earned money 


60 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

enough to buy his own freedom as well as his 
wife's. But he had children growing up who 
were still slaves. He wished them to be 
free also. 

Then came an order from the Spanish rulers 
that all the slaves should be gradually given 
their liberty. But this was not till many 
years after their black brothers in America had 
been set free by that great man, President 
Lincoln. 


CHAPTER VII. 


HOME AGAIN. 

After Ramon and Maria got home that 
night they told Paulina about their visit to 
the quarters, and their talk with the little 
domino player. Paulina knew him well, and 
said he was a very bright and good boy. 

“ Some of those little negroes are too lazy,” 
she declared, “ but Pedro is always busy. I 
wish he could go to school, for he will make 
a smart man.” 

She went on to tell more of the old days. 
There was one story of which she was very 
fond. It was of a cargo of slaves who were 
being brought to Cuba. They outwitted their 
masters. This was the way they did it. 

After the ship had been sailing for many 
61 


62 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

days, it began to leak badly. The water 
poured in so fast that all hands were kept 
busy pumping it out. It seemed, after a 
while, to rush in faster than the men could 
get it out. The ship’s carpenter went around 
the vessel, and hunted in every part, but could 
not find a single leak. 

“ It is the work of the evil one,” cried 
the captain. 

The slaves wrung their hands, and wailed, 
while the crew worked at the pumps till they 
were quite worn out. When it seemed as 
though the ship must soon sink, an island 
came in sight. The Spaniards quickly lowered 
provisions and water into the small boats, and 
rowed away, leaving the slaves to die, as they 
supposed. 

But they had no sooner got well out of 
reach than the ship began to rise out of the 
water. The black people could be seen danc- 
ing about on the deck in delight. The sails 


Home Again 63 

were set to the wind, and away sped the 
vessel. 

How was it possible? This was the whole 
story. The prisoners had gotten hold of some 
knives, with which they cut through the outer 
planking of the vessel. Of course, it began to 
leak sadly. But when the carpenter searched 
for these leaks the slaves had cleverly filled the 
holes with plugs packed with oakum, and he 
could not find them. 

In this way the whole cargo of negroes suc- 
ceeded in getting out of the clutches of the 
Spaniards. Old Paulina chuckled as she told 
the story and thought of the cleverness of 
her people. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


STARTLING NEWS. 

It was a pleasant evening in February. 
The children felt gay and happy, for their 
father was getting so much stronger. Why, 
this very day he had walked with them a 
mile in an excursion to a cave. Miguel had 
told them such wonderful things about it, 
they begged their father to take them there. 
Although they lived so near, they had never 
happened to visit it before. 

When they reached the spot, they were 
obliged to crouch down in order to enter the 
cave. The opening was merely a small hole 
between the rocks. But, as they crept down 
under the ground, the passage grew wider, and 
led into a large room. 


6 4 


Startling News 


65 


ff Do you suppose Robinson Crusoe’s cave 
was anything like this ? ” Maria asked her 
brother. 

But the answer was, “ I don’t think so ; 
you know it was not beautiful. And see here, 
Maria, look at those shining pendants hanging 
from the roof. They are as clear as diamonds. 
Oh, look down beside your feet ; there are 
more of those lovely things ; they are reaching 
up to meet those coming from above.” 

“ What makes them, papa ? ” 

Senor Diaz then explained to the children 
that there must be a great deal of lime in the 
rocks overhead, and that, when the water 
slowly filtered through the roof of the cave, 
it brought with it the lime which formed in 
these wonderful crystals. 

“ People pay great sums of money for 
precious stones,” said their father, “ but what 
could be more beautiful than these shining 
pyramids ! The pendants hanging from the 


66 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


roof are called stalactites. Those reaching up 
from the floor of the cave are stalagmites. 
Do you suppose you can remember such 
hard words, my dear little Isabella? But 
come, children, I have something else to 
show you here.” 

He led the children to a little pond, in 
which they could dimly see, by the light of 
the torch, fish sporting about in the water. 

“ Those fishes are happy as can be, yet they 
are perfectly blind. I made some experiments 
years ago that led me to discover it. You see 
how dark it is. The creatures living here 
would have no use for eyesight, so they grad- 
ually became blind. We can only keep the 
organs of our body in good condition by using 
them.” 

It was no wonder the children enjoyed the 
day with their father, as he always had so 
much of interest to tell them. This evening, 
as they sat on the balcony, Maria was talking 


Startling News 67 

about the fish that lived in darkness, when 
Ramon suddenly exclaimed : 

“ Look ! look ! the garden is fairly alive 
with lights. The cucujos are giving us a dis- 
play of fireworks. Let’s catch them, and have 
some fun. Except in the rainy season, it is 
not often that we see so many.” He ran into 
the house for a candle, and the three children 
were soon chasing the cucujos along the walks. 

The light of the candle attracted the insects, 
then it was an easy matter to catch hundreds 
of them in a fine thread net. We should call 
them fireflies, but they are much larger and" 
more brilliant than any insect we have ever 
seen. 

As they floated along above the flowers, 
Maria said they always made her think of 
fairies with their torch-bearers. The light was 
soft and cloud-like, yet it was bright enough to 
show the colours of the flowers, although the 
night was quite dark. 


68 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


“ Why not make a belt of them for your 
waists, as well as necklaces and bracelets ? ” 
Ramon asked his sisters. “ Then you can go 
in and show yourselves to mother. You can 
tell her you are all ready for a party.” 

“ All right,” answered the girls. “ But you 
must help us, Ramon.” 

How could the children do such things 
without hurting the beautiful little creatures, 
we wonder. But they knew a way, as they 
had done them before. 

Each cucujo has a tiny hook near its head, 
which can be fastened in a person’s clothing 
without harming it in the least. Grown-up 
ladies in Elavana often adorn themselves in 
this way when going to a party. They look 
very brilliant, I assure you. 

It was not many minutes before Maria and 
Isabella were fairly ablaze with lights. Then 
they danced into the house to be admired by 
their parents. 


Startling News 


69 


“Now let's take them off and put them in 
those wicker cages you made last summer, 
Ramon,” said Isabella. “ I'm sure the poor 
little things are tired of hanging from our 
clothes. They must wish to fly around once 
more. They will not mind being shut up in 
the cages for a day or two, if we give them 
plenty of sugar to eat.” 

“ All right, but I wouldn’t keep them shut 
up long enough to make pets of them,” 
said her brother. “ I cannot help believing 
they would rather be free.” 

As he said these words, there was a step on 
the garden walk, and a moment later a strange 
man stood in front of the children. 

“ Is your father at home ? ” he asked. “ I 
have a message for him.” 

Ramon hurried into the house. Senor Diaz 
came out and spoke with the stranger in low 
tones. When he went back into the sitting- 
room he carried in his hand a piece of paper 


70 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

that looked perfectly blank. The stranger 
had disappeared again into the darkness. 

“ What did the children’s good father do 
with that paper ? ” you ask. 

He went quickly to his desk and put it 
under lock and key. Nothing could be done 
with it till the morning sun should light up 
the eastern sky. 

“Then what? ” you curiously ask again. 

If we could have watched Senor Diaz, we 
should have seen him go to his desk once 
more, take out the precious paper, and go over 
it with a hair pencil dipped in a bottle of 
colorless liquid. 

After that, we should have seen Maria rum 
ning with the paper to the window, where the 
sun’s rays would dry it quickly. Lo and be- 
hold ! writing began to appear which threw the 
whole family into a great state of excitement. 
These were the words : 

“ The U. S. warship Maine has been blown 


Startling News 


7i 


up. The Americans are roused. They be- 
lieve without doubt that the Spaniards are the 
doers of the terrible deed. Victory shall be 
ours at last, for the United States will now 
surely take our part against Spain.” 

There was no signature to the letter. 

That very night Maria’s household were 
wakened by a brilliant light pouring into their 
windows. It came from the burning planta- 
tion where Lucia had her home. When 
morning dawned there was no trace of a build- 
ing left on the whole place. No person was 
injured, however, but Lucia and her parents 
went to friends in Havana. The rich planter 
had become a poor man in a single night. 

Who had set the fire ? It was probably the 
insurgents, who had discovered that the 
planter was a friend of the Spaniards and was 
secretly working against the freedom of Cuba. 


CHAPTER IX. 


FIRST YEARS IN THE NEW WORLD. 

“ Papa dear,” said Maria, one evening not 
long after this, “ why did our people ever 
leave Spain and come here to make a home 
for themselves ? Of course, they had heard 
what a beautiful island it is, but was that the 
only reason ? ” 

“ They had indeed heard this, my child, but 
they also believed they could become rich by 
raising sugar-cane or tobacco. Great fortunes 
were made in the old days on the plantations 
here. My own grandfather was a very wealthy 
man. 

“ But you know the story of Cuba since 
then. The heavy taxes and the cruel laws of 
Spain caused my relatives, as well as thousands 


72 


First Years in the New World 73 

of other families, to lose their fortunes. We 
have tried to free ourselves many times but 
have not succeeded yet.” 

“ Well, don’t be sad, papa dear; the good 
time is coming quickly now, you know. We 
have not had as hard a time as the poor 
savages Columbus found here, anyway. How 
I do pity them ! ” said Maria, with her eyes 
full of tears. 

“Yes, they had a sad time of it indeed,” 
her father went on. “ They thought at first 
the white men were angels and the boats they 
sailed in were beautiful birds that had brought 
the visitors straight from heaven. But they 
soon changed their minds. 

“ Columbus was greatly excited when he 
looked upon the plants and trees so different 
from any he had ever seen. He said : c I will 
call this place the “ Pearl of the Antilles,” ’ 
and so it has been called to this day. He 
also wrote of it, ( It is as much more grand 


74 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

and beautiful than any other land as the day 
is brighter than the night.’ 

“ I suppose you know, Maria, that Colum- 
bus visited Cuba four times, and yet he never 
discovered that it was an island.” 

“ I wish you would tell me more about the 
savages he found here,” Maria said. “ Of 
course, I know there is not a trace of them 
left in the land. Their h^ard work in the 
mines and the cruel treatment of the Spaniards 
soon killed them off. Oh, it is a wicked, 
wicked shame ! ” 

“ Their skins were bronze in colour, like 
the Indians of North America; but they did 
not know where their own people came from. 
Once they were asked this question by one of 
the white strangers. They only answered by 
pointing their hands upward. It was as much 
as to say, c From heaven ! ’ 

“ The women had long and beautiful hair, 
but the men had no beards whatever. They 


First Years in the New World 75 


painted their bodies with the red earth so 
common on the island, and adorned their 
heads with the feathers of brilliant birds. 

“They lived mostly in the open air, and 
slept in hammocks under the trees. They 
made their hammocks out of the wild cotton 
you have seen growing in the fields. The 
women spun and wove this into the only 
cloth they ever used. 

“ They had no gardens. They had no need 
to plough and plant, for nature gave them all 
they needed. There were many fruits grow- 
ing wild then, as now. They picked the 
delicious mangoes, bananas, and custard-apples 
which were so plentiful. They gathered the 
yams and maize which also grew wild all over 
the island. What more could they wish ? ” 

“ I should think they would have liked a 
little meat once in awhile,” said Maria, who 
had been very much interested in everything 
her father said. 


76 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

“ Certainly,” he replied, “ these savages liked 
hunting, and often brought home game to be 
roasted. They were very fond of the meat of 
the iguana. You have often seen this reptile, 
Maria.” 

“ Oh, I know,” she replied ; “ Ramon shot 
one only the other day. It is like a big 
lizard.” 

“ Yes, that is true. The Indians also 
hunted the voiceless dog, as we sometimes 
call the creature even now. I hardly know 
why the Spaniards gave it such a name. It 
is more like a rabbit than any other animal. 
There were great numbers on the island in 
the old times.” 

“You said the Indians slept mostly in ham- 
mocks,” said Maria. “ Didn’t they have any 
houses ? ” 

“ Oh, yes, but they stayed in them very 
little, except during the rains. They built 
them of wood and palm leaves. They were 



U 6 


IT IS LIKE A BIG LIZARD 


j i) 







First Years in the New World 77 

clustered together in villages. Sometimes there 
were two or three hundred houses in one 
settlement, while several families used one 
house in common.” 

“ How did they defend themselves ? ” Maria 
asked, as her father stopped speaking. 

“ They had lances pointed with sea shells, 
and wooden swords,” he replied. “ These 
were more for show than for use, for you 
know they were a sober, peaceful people. 
Such weapons would have been of little use 
if they had tried to fight with the Spaniards. 
The easiest thing would have been for them 
to leave the island and seek a new home. But 
they were not wise enough for that, although 
they had large canoes in which they might 
have travelled to some distance. They dug 
them out of the trunks of trees. Some of them 
were large enough to hold fifty men. Their 
oars were well shaped, but they used them 
only as paddles. They had no row-locks. 


78 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

“ They were a happy people, although quiet 
and serious in most of their ways. They used 
to dance and sing at their merry-makings, and 
their music was quite sweet.” 

“ Papa dear, if you are not too tired, won’t 
you tell me again about the great Spaniard 
who was entertained by the Indians? It was 
before they learned to fear the white strangers, 
and they still believed they were friends.” 

“ Let me see, little daughter. Oh, yes, 
now I know whom you mean. I told you 
that story long ago. I am surprised you 
should remember it. 

“ It was Bartholomew Columbus, who was 
sent to act as governor during the admiral’s 
absence. He passed from one place to another 
on the island to collect tribute from the chiefs. 
These chiefs had already learned how eager 
the Spaniards were for gold ; so they gave it to 
the governor freely and cheerfully. That is, 
of course, those who had it. But if they could 


First Years in the New World 79 

not give this they presented the white man 
with quantities of the wild cotton. 

“ There was one chief who prepared a grand 
entertainment in honour of his visitors. A pro- 
cession of women came out to meet them, each 
one bearing a branch of the palm-tree. This 
was a sign of submission. After the women, 
came a train of young girls with their long hair 
hanging over their graceful shoulders. 

“ A great feast was spread in the chief’s 
palace and the visitors were entertained with 
music and dancing. When night came, a cot- 
ton hammock was given to each to sleep in. 

“ For four days the feasting and games and 
dancing were kept up. Then the visitors were 
loaded with presents and their dark-coloured 
hosts kept them company for quite a distance 
as they journeyed onward to the next stopping- 
place. 

“ Could any people do more to show them- 
selves friendly than these poor, gentle savages ? 


80 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Ah ! how sadly they were repaid for their trust 
in the white men ! 

“ But come, we have thought enough about 
the past. Let us return to the present and the 
great things that are daily happening around 
us.” 


CHAPTER X. 


THE MERRIMAC. 

Every day now was full of excitement for 
the Diaz family. Letters were often brought 
to the house by some secret messenger. Each 
time they told of some new and surprising 
event. 

The insurgents were braver than ever before. 
They dared more because they knew of the 
good friends coming to help them. Yes, the 
United States was getting troops ready to meet 
the Spaniards on Cuban soil. And our great 
war-ships were gathering also. They, too, were 
coming to help Cuba. 

The great battle-ship Oregon was speeding 
through two oceans that she, also, might take 

part. The eyes of the whole world were 

Si 


82 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


watching her voyage, and millions of people 
were praying for her safety. How we love the 
Oregon to-day and the brave captain and sailors 
who brought her safely through her long 
journey ! 

One little American boy, only nine years 
old, felt so sorry for the suffering children of 
Cuba that he wrote these words : 

“War, war, war on Spain, 

Who blew up our beautiful, beautiful Maine . 

Think of the poor little Cuban dears. 

Think of their hardships, their sorrows, their tears. 
Who die every day for the want of some food ; 
Wouldn’t you be in a fighting mood ? 

Then hurrah ! for the soldiers who nobly do fight 
In the cause of the weak and for Nature’s great right.” 

This is not very good poetry, but it shows 
the deep feeling of our children for their little 
Cuban cousins. 

Maria, in her pretty little home under the 
palm-trees, was spared, yet, as she and we 
knew, there were thousands of children no 


The Merrimac 83 

older than herself who suffered and died before 
Cuba was free. Our little cousin was delighted 
when she knew that the American fleet was 
actually close to the shores of her land. 

But the Spanish war-vessels were here too. 
They were lying in the harbour of Santiago. 
It was at the other end of the island, but news 
passed from one to another very quickly 
among the insurgents. Ramon drew pictures 
of the two fleets as he imagined they looked. 
He made new pictures every day. How he 
longed to see them with his own eyes ! I 
really fear that he would have run away from 
home and joined the army at this exciting time, 
if he had not loved his parents so dearly. 

Why did the Spanish fleet stay in the har- 
bour of Santiago ? Why did they not go out 
and meet the American war-ships ? Were they 
afraid? It certainly seemed so. They be- 
lieved they were in a very safe place. There 
was only a narrow entrance to the harbour. It 


84 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

was defended at each side of this opening, for 
on the left were new batteries which had lately 
been set up, and on the right was the grand 
old Morro Castle which had stood there for 
hundreds of years. In the olden times it had 
defended Cuba against her enemies more than 
once. 

“ Morro ” means hill, and the fortress at 
Santiago was well named, for it is built on a 
rocky promontory several hundred feet high, 
at the junction of the open sea and the San 
Juan River. 

Mines were sunk in the narrow entrance to 
the harbour so that, if the American ships 
should dare to enter, they would explode these 
mines and be destroyed like the Maine. It 
was no wonder the Spanish admiral thought 
they were safe in staying where they were. 

Then it happened that a young American 
thought of a plan by which the Spaniards 
might be caught in a trap. His name was 


The Merrimac 85 

Lieutenant Hobson. It was a very daring 
plan, but he was a wonderfully brave man. 

He said to Admiral Sampson, who com- 
manded the American fleet : 

“ Let me take the Merrimac . It is a coal- 
ing vessel and very heavy. It has six hundred 
tons of coal on board. We can place torpe- 
does in different parts of the ship. A few 
men can help me sail her into the channel. 
When the narrowest part is reached we will 
fire off the torpedoes and escape from her be- 
fore she sinks. That is, we will do so if we 
can. But the Merrimac will be across the 
narrow channel and the Spanish ships cannot 
get out. Our own ships will then be free to 
attack another part of the island. The Span- 
ish seamen will have to remain where they are 
till they are glad to surrender.” 

Admiral Sampson had thought of many 
plans, but he liked this one of Lieutenant 
Hobson's best of all. 


86 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


But who should be chosen to go with the 
brave man on this dangerous errand ? Chosen ! 
Why, there were hundreds who asked to share 
his danger, and only six could go with him. 
You would have thought it was some great 
festival they longed to take part in, if you 
could have seen how disappointed the men 
were, who had begged to go and were refused. 

But no, it was a fight with death. To begin 
with, the Merrimac must pass the batteries and 
Morro Castle. She and those on board might 
easily be destroyed before she reached the 
place where the work was to be done. And 
then, when her own torpedoes should be fired 
off, how could Hobson and his men expect to 
escape from the sinking ship ? 

But they were risking their lives in the cause 
of those who needed their help. You and 
I know now that they were brought safely 
through all the dangers which surrounded 
them. 


The Merrimac 


87 


The Merrimac passed the guns of the 
Morro unharmed, for the Spaniards were poor 
marksmen. She reached the narrow channel 
where Hobson meant to do his great work. 
But a shot from the batteries knocked away 
her rudder, so they could not steer her across 
the narrow channel. Then a great mine ex- 
ploded under her and tore a big hole in her 
side. She began to sink. 

Hobson and his men lay flat upon the deck. 
Shells and bullets came whizzing about them. 
They dared not rise, even though the ship 
was breaking apart as the shells crashed 
through her sides. 

At length the Merrimac had sunk so low 
that the water was up to her deck. A raft 
floated close to the men. It was one they had 
brought with them to help in escaping. They 
caught hold of the edges and kept their heads 
above water. 

Just then a Spanish launch drew near. The 


88 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


men on board were about to fire when Hobson 
cried out and asked if an officer were in the 
boat, as he wished to surrender. Admiral 
Cervera, the commander of the Spanish fleet, 
had himself sent the boat. He ordered the 
firing to cease and accepted Hobson and his 
men as prisoners of war. 

When the news of Hobson’s brave deed 
reached Maria, she could think of nothing else 
for days afterward. She would picture him in 
his cell at Morro Castle, looking out to- sea 
where the American fleet were still cruising. 

“ How proud of him they must all be ! ” 
she cried to Ramon. 

“ They can’t be any prouder of him than we 
are to have such friends as he,” the boy re- 
plied. “ Why, he will be looked upon now as 
one of the greatest heroes the world ever 
knew. I shall always be proud of Morro 
Castle because of his having been confined 
there. 


The Merrimac 


89 


“ You know, we went all over the place when 
we were little, Maria. I believe he is kept 
prisoner in that part of the castle which is built 
over the water cave. You know we heard that 
he can look far out on the sea from his 
windows. 

“ Think of the dungeons underneath, where 
people were locked up years ago. We peeked 
into one of them that day we visited the for- 
tress and I remember how dark and damp 
they were. I do hope Hobson is treated well 
and won’t have to stay at Morro very long.” 


CHAPTER XI. 


VICTORY. 

It was only a few mornings after the news 
of Hobson’s brave venture. The children 
were out in the garden, where Ramon had dis- 
covered a chameleon on a grass plot. It was 
a sunny day, so perhaps that was the reason the 
chameleon’s skin was such a bright green. 

“ You know how gray they look on dull 
days,” said Ramon. “ Perhaps if I should put 
him on the branch of that tree, now, he would 
change to a brownish tint, to look as much as 
possible like it. He’s a stupid little thing, 
though. If he does change colour, I don’t 
believe he knows it himself. Mother Nature 
takes care of him, you know, and makes him 
change as a kind of protection. He has no 


90 


Victory 


9 1 


way of defending himself, but if he is of the 
same colour as the substance around him, it is 
hard for his enemies to find him. 

“ Oh, dear ! it makes me laugh when I 
think of a battle I once saw between two 
chameleons. They stood facing each other. 
Their small eyes glared as they slowly opened 
and shut their jaws like pairs of scissors. 
They moved about once a minute. I did not 
have time to see which won the battle ; it took 
too long a time for them to do anything.” 

As the children stood watching the lizard 
they heard the sound of hoofs down the road. 
Then there was a cloud of dust as a horseman 
came riding rapidly along. He turned in at 
the driveway. 

“ What news ? What news ? ” cried Ramon, 
who rushed to meet him. 

It was an old friend of the family who had 
given secret help to the Cuban soldiers through- 
out their struggle for freedom. 


92 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

“ Of course, you knew the American troops 
had landed, didn't you ? Well, run in and ask 
your father to come out. I can only stop a 
moment and I have much to tell him." 

The gentleman had hardly stopped speaking 
before Sehor Diaz appeared on the veranda. 
He was told about the position of the Ameri- 
cans not far from Santiago. They had met 
General Garcia, the brave leader of the insur- 
gents. The Cuban and American armies were 
now working together. Battles had already 
been fought with the common enemy. 

But that which interested the children most 
was the story of the Rough Riders and their 
daring charges at El Caney and San Juan Hill. 
Many of these Rough Riders were men who 
had led a wild life on the plains in America. 
Some of them had no book-learning ; they 
were not what one usually calls <c gentlemen ; ” 
but they were great horsemen and brave 
soldiers. They feared nothing in the world, 


Victory 


93 


They were commanded by Colonel Wood, 
and had been recruited by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Roosevelt, who had been out on the plains 
among them when a young man. He ad- 
mired their spirit and was glad to be their 
commander now. He knew their ways. He 
led them up the San Juan heights when the 
enemy was protected by forts and shooting 
right and left at the Americans. But the 
Rough Riders charged onward with great 
courage and gained the summit. They 
took possession of the blockhouse at the 
top, and killed most of the Spaniards and 
drove the rest away. It was a glorious fight 
and a glorious victory. 

“ A few more deeds like that, and war and 
trouble will be ended for us,” said the gentle- 
man as he rode away to carry the good news 
to others. 

“ Hurrah for Lawton and Roosevelt ! ” 
shouted Ramon as he danced about the garden. 


94 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


“ Santiago will soon be out of the hands of the 
Spaniards, and they will be clearing out of Cuba 
altogether. It seems as though I could not 
rest without shaking hands with our American 
friends.” 

The dear boy did not have long to wait, for 
the very next day came the news that the 
Spanish fleet had been destroyed. It had tried 
to escape out of the harbour, but had been 
discovered by the watchful Yankees. In a few 
hours all of Spain’s war-ships had been sunk or 
driven ashore. 

What was now left for Cuba’s tyrants ? The 
battle-ships of the Great Republic were ranged 
along her shores unharmed and strong as ever. 
The Spanish troops were shut up in the city 
without hope of escape. Surrender was the 
only thing possible to ward off great loss of 
life on both sides. 

The Spanish commander made a formal sur- 
render to General Shafter, and Spain’s empire 


Victory 95 

in the West Indies came to an end almost on 
the very spot where it had begun four hundred 
years before. 

And now the mines were taken out of the 
harbour and our battle-ships could enter in 
safety. As our vessels glided inside one after 
another they made a wonderful picture. The 
harbour seemed alive with boats, and it looked 
like a floating city. 

Still grander was the sight on land when 
thousands gathered around the governor's 
beautiful palace at Havana to see the stars 
and stripes of America unfurled. As the flag 
spread its folds to the breeze, the band struck 
up the air we love so well. It was the “ Star 
Spangled Banner." Boom ! boom ! went the 
cannon, and thousands of American and Cuban 
hearts were filled with joy. 

“ Victory ! Victory ! ” shouted Ramon, when 
the good news reached him that night. And 
“Victory!” cried little Isabella, who added 


96 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

with all her childish might, “ Long live Cuba.” 
Even the parrot echoed the words of the chil- 
dren. He seemed to feel that something very- 
great must have happened, for his voice was 
shriller than usual. 

In fact, the family could have no peace in 
the house, even if there were peace all over 
Cuba, till Master Poll’s cage had been covered 
with a thick, dark cloth, and he was made to 
believe that night had suddenly fallen upon 
his home. 


CHAPTER XII. 


HAVANA. 

“ Children, would you like to go to Ha- 
vana and visit our good friend Senor Alvarez 
fora week? He has invited us all to come 
and talk over the good fortune that has come 
to our land. You can have a good time seeing 
the sights.” 

Of course the children were delighted at 
their father's words ; so it came to pass that 
Maria found herself, a day or two afterward, in 
a beautiful home in the very heart of the great 
city. 

It was a grand house to her childish eyes. 
It was all of stone, covered with a yellowish 
stucco. It was at least a hundred years old, 
she was told. It was built around the four 


97 


98 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

sides of an open square, and had no piazzas on 
the outside like her own home. But the court 
inside was very beautiful. A fountain played 
here all day long, and there were blossoming 
plants standing in pots on the marble floor. 

The family spent much of their time on the 
verandas in this court. It was far pleasanter 
than inside the house, where the windows were 
so heavily barred that they made one not used 
to the custom feel almost as if he were in a 
prison. The doors of the house were bullet- 
proof to make it safe against attack. There 
was but one entrance to the house, and that 
led directly into the court. Here the family 
carriage always stood unless it was in use. 

The gentleman who lived here had one son, 
a little older than Ramon. He showed the 
children all around the city. As they went 
from place to place, he told them how hard 
his father had worked to raise money for the 
Cuban soldiers. His mother sold all her 


Havana 


99 


jewels, that she might help, too. But they 
had to do this secretly, of course. If the 
Spaniards had discovered it, they might have 
lost their lives. This boy’s name was Blanco. 
He was a fine, manly fellow, and was looking 
forward now to coming to America. 

“ I shall go to Harvard College,” he told 
Maria. “ I wish to be a minister, but I’m 
afraid if I do become one, I shall not feel like 
praying for the Spaniards.” 

The boy’s heart was still bitter, but per- 
haps he will feel more kindly when he grows 
older. 

One day he took his young friends out to 
Morro Castle. Havana has a hill fortress of 
that name, as well as Santiago. Although 
Hobson and his men had never been im- 
prisoned in this one, yet the Diaz children 
were glad to see it. 

It stood on a rocky point reaching into the 
sea. The great guns were still pointing out 

L. C. 


ioo Our Little Cuban Cousin 

between the masses of yellow stone. But they 
were silent. The American flag was waving 
and peace ruled in the land, although soldiers 
were on guard here and all through the 
city. 

At the far end of the fortress was a tall 
lighthouse. It stood like a sentinel to stand 
watch against possible danger. Once upon a 
time a wall reached from the great fort in both 
directions around the city of Havana. But 
now there was scarcely a trace of it left. 

“ How narrow and dirty the streets are,” 
said Maria as they left the Morro. “ I must 
say I would rather live in the country, if I 
could choose for myself.” 

<c It doesn't matter so much about the 
width of the streets,” said Blanco, “ or the 
poor sidewalks, either. Because, you know, 
we almost always ride. The working people 
are the ones who walk. But I do not like 
the dirt. That is all the fault of the Spaniards. 



THE AMERICAN FLAG WAS WAVING AND PEACE RULED 


)> 


IN THE LAND 




Havana 


IOI 


They taxed us enough, but they kept the 
money for themselves. 

“ Last summer I was very sick with yellow 
fever. Mother thought I would not get well. 
She said she believed we had so much of this 
dreadful disease because the city is allowed to 
be so unclean. 

“ But look quickly at that Punch and Judy 
show ! Let’s stop and watch it. There is a 
man playing the harp to make it more enter- 
taining.” 

The children leaned out of the carriage to 
see the show. Isabella had never seen Punch 
and Judy before, and she was greatly delighted. 
In a few minutes they moved on, but soon 
stopped again, for here stood a man turning 
a hand-organ with a monkey beside him 
dressed in a most ridiculous little suit of 
clothes. The monkey was dancing to the 
music. Suddenly he gave a spring and landed 
in the carriage right in Maria’s lap. 


102 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

Off came the monkey’s cap into his little 
hands, and with the most solemn look it was 
held up to each of the children in turn. 

“Take that, you poor little beggar,” said 
Ramon as he put a silver coin into the cap. 
Down jumped the monkey and off he scam- 
pered to his master. 

There were many odd sights for the little 
country cousins. Among them were Chinese 
peddlers showing the pretty ornaments which 
had been brought across the ocean. Once the 
children passed a cow that was being led home 
after her morning’s work. She had gone with 
her master from house to house, stopping long 
enough at each place for her to give as much 
milk as the people wished. 

The cow was followed by a man leading 
a long train of mules. They were laden with 
empty baskets. They, too, were going home, 
as they had left their loads at the markets in 
the city. 


Havana 


103 


The sun was quite hot and the party hurried 
home to rest during the noon hours, for, of 
course, every one took a nap at this time of the 
day. They might not all lie down ; perhaps 
some of those who had stores in the busy part 
of the city would not leave their places of 
business ; they might only lean back and doze 
in their chairs ; but they would certainly keep 
quiet and close their eyes, if nothing more. 
It made one think of the story of the c< Sleep- 
ing Beauty ” to see Havana at twelve o’clock, 
noon, in the summer season. 

As for Maria, the dainty maiden quite en- 
joyed her rest at the great city house. She 
could lie very comfortably in a hammock while 
a little negro girl kept off the flies and mos- 
quitoes with a big fan. She needed the nap 
in the city more than at home because she was 
awakened so early by the bells. 

Perhaps the children enjoyed Sunday more 
than any other day during their stay in the 


104 Our Little Cuban Cousin 

city, for it was then that they visited the 
cathedral containing the tomb of Columbus. 
There were many churches and grand buildings 
in Havana, but none could interest the children 
like this. 

It was not very far from the house, but they 
all went in the carriage, carrying with them the 
mats to kneel on during the service. It was 
a grand old stone building, overgrown with 
moss. There were many bells in the two high 
towers. They were pealing loudly as the party 
drove up. 

“ Just think how old it is,” whispered Maria 
to her brother as they entered the building. 
“ Blanco says that some of the bells were 
brought from Spain more than two hundred 
years ago. Do look at the beautiful marble 
pillars, Isabella. Isn’t it a grand place ? ” 

It was not yet time for the service to begin, 
so Blanco led the children to the tomb of Co- 
lumbus, where his ashes had rested for so many 


Havana 


105 


years. It was at the right of the high altar. 
All that could be seen was a marble tablet 
about seven feet square. Above it stood a 
bust of the great discoverer. 

“ They say that Spain has asked the right 
to have the ashes, and America is going to let 
her take them. But we shall still have the 
tomb and the grand old cathedral where they 
have rested so long,” said Blanco. 

“ Now come and admire the altar.” 

It stood on pillars of porphyry and was fairly 
covered with candlesticks, images, and gaudy 
decorations. Somehow they did not go well 
with the simple beauty of the rest of the church. 
But the children admired it, for they were 
ready to admire everything. 

When the service was over, they drove out 
by the governor-general’s palace. It was his 
no longer, however. The American general 
who had charge of the city lived here now. 
No doubt he enjoyed the beautiful gardens 


io6 Our Little Cuban Cousin 


and ponds. He was very active in improving 
the city. Yes, the work had already begun, 
and in a few months Maria would no longer 
be able to complain of the dirt in Havana. 

She could say again* but with a different 
thought in her busy little mind* “ To-morrow 
is another day.” 

Yes, although it is but a short time since 
Maria’s visit to Havana, even now everything 
is changed in the Diaz family. The good 
father no longer worries ; he is fast getting to 
be a strong, healthy man. He has a fine posi- 
tion under the new government, and Maria 
lives in a new home just outside the city of 
Havana. She is rapidly learning to speak 
English, while one of her dearest friends is a 
little American girl who has lately made her 
home in Cuba. 


THE END. 


THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES 

By MARY HAZELTON WADE 

FIRST SERIES 

These are the most interesting and delightful accounts 
possible of child-life in other lands, filled with quaint say- 
ings, doings, and adventures. The “ Little Japanese 
Cousin,” with her toys in her wide sleeve and her tiny bag of 
paper handkerchiefs ; the “ Little Brown Cousin,” in whose 
home the leaves of the breadfruit-tree serve for plates and 
the halves of the cocoanut shells for cups ; the “ Little 
Indian Cousin,” who lives the free life of the forest, and the 
“ Little Russian Cousin,” who dwells by the wintry Neva, 
are truly fascinating characters to the little cousins who 
will read about them. 

Four volumes, as follows : 

Our Little Japanese Cousin 
Our Little Brown Cousin 
Our Little Indian Cousin 
Our Little Russian Cousin 

Each i vol., i2mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page 

illustrations in tints, by L. J. Bridgman. 

Price, per volume . . . $0.50 net (postage extra) 

Price, per set, 4 vols., boxed . 2.00 net (postage extra) 

“Juveniles will get a whole world of pleasure and instruction 
out of Mary Hazelton Wade’s Little Cousin Series. . . . Pleas- 
ing narratives give pictures of the little folk in the far-away lands 
in their duties and pleasures, showing their odd ways of playing, 
studying, their queer homes, clothes, and playthings. . • • The 
style of the stories is all that can be desired for entertainment, 
the author describing things in a very real and delightful 
fashion.” — Detroit News - Tribune. 


THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES 

By MARY HAZELTON WADE 

SECOND SERIES 

The great success and prompt appreciation which this 
charming little series met last season has led to its continua- 
tion this year with a new set of child characters from other 
lands, each as original and delightful as the little foreign 
cousins with whom the little cousins at home became ac- 
quainted in last season’s series. 

Six volumes, as follows : 

Our Little Cuban Cousin 
Our Little Hawaiian Cousin 
Our Little Eskimo Cousin 
Our Little Philippine Cousin 
Our Little Porto Rican Cousin 
Our Little African Cousin 

Each i vol., i2mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page 

illustrations in tints by L. J. Bridgman. 

Price, per volume . . . $0.50 net (postage extra) 

Price, per set, 6 vols., boxed . 3.00 net (postage extra) 

“ Boys and girls, reading the tales of these little cousins in 
different parts of the world, will gain considerable knowledge of 
geography and the queer customs that are followed among 
strange people.” — Chicago Evening Post. 

“ Not only are the books interesting, but they are entertain- 
ingly instructive as well, and when entertainment can sugar-coat 
instruction, the book is one usually well worth placing in the 
hands of those to whom the knowledge will be useful.” — Utica 
Observer. 

“ To many youthful minds this little series of books may open 
up the possibilities of a foreign w’orld to which they had been 
total strangers. And interest in this wider sphere, the beyond 
and awayness, may bear rich fruit in the future.” — N. Y. Cotfc 
tncrcial Advertiser. 


COSY CORNER SERIES 


1 1 is the intention of the publishers that this series shall 
contain only the very highest and purest literature, — 
stories that shall not only appeal to the children them- 
selves, but be appreciated by all those who feel with 
them in their joys and sorrows, — stories that shall be 
most particularly adapted for reading aloud in the 
family circle. 

The numerous illustrations in each book are by well- 
known artists, and each volume has a separate attract- 
ive cover design. 

Each, i vol., i6mo, cloth #0.5© 

By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON 

The Little Colonel. 

The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its 
heroine is a small girl, who is known as the Little 
Colonel, on account of her fancied resemblance to an 
old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and 
old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel 
proves to be the grandfather of the child. 

The Giant Scissors. 

This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in 
France, — the wonderful house with the gate of The 
Giant Scissors, Jules, her little playmate, Sister Denisa, 
the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate. Joyce is 
a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes 
shares with her the delightful experiences of the “ House 
Party ” and the “ Holidays.” 


2 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY’S 


By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON (Continued) 

Two Little Knights of Kentucky, 

Who Were the Little Colonel’s Neighbors. 

In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an 
old friend, but with added grace and charm. She is 
not, however, the central figure of the story, that place 
being taken by the “ two little knights,” Malcolm and 
Keith, little Southern aristocrats, whose chivalrous na- 
tures lead them through a series of interesting adven- 
tures. 

Cicely and Other Stories for Girls. 

The readers of Mrs. Johnston’s charming juveniles 
will be glad to learn of the issue of this volume for 
young people, written in the author’s sympathetic and 
entertaining manner. 

Big Brother. 

A story of two boys. The devotion and care of 
Steven, himself a small boy, for his baby brother, is the 
theme of the simple tale, the pathos and beauty of 
which has appealed to so many thousands. 

Ole Mammy’s Torment. 

“Ole Mammy’s Torment” has been fitly called “a 
classic of Southern life.” It relates the haps and mis- 
haps of a small negro lad, and tells how he was led by 
love and kindness to a knowledge of the right. 

The Story of Dago. 

In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, 
a pet monkey, owned jointly by two brothers. Dago 
tells his own story, and the account of his haps and mis- 
haps is both interesting and amusing. 


COSY CORNER SERIES 


3 


By EDITH ROBINSON 

A Little Puritan’s First Christmas : 

A Story of Colonial Times in Boston. 

A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how 
Christmas was invented by Betty Sewall, a typical child 
of the Puritans, aided by her “ unregenerate ” brother, 
Sam. 

A Little Daughter of Liberty. 

The author’s motive for this story is well indicated 
by a quotation from her introduction, as follows : 

“One ride is memorable in the early history of the 
American Revolution, the well-known ride of Paul 
Revere. Equally deserving of commendation is another 
ride, — untold in verse or story, its records preserved 
only in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of 
Anthony Severn was no less historic in its action or 
memorable in its consequences.” 

A Loyal Little Haid. 

A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary 
days, in which the child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, 
renders important services to George Washington and 
Alexander Hamilton, and in the end becomes the wife of 
the latter. 

A Little Puritan Rebel. 

Like Miss Robinson’s successful story of “ A Loyal 
Little Maid,” this is another historical tale of a real girl, 
during the time when the gallant Sir Harry Vane was 
governor of Massachusetts. 

A Little Puritan Pioneer. 

The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settle- 
ment at Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds 
another to the list of favorites so well known to the 
young people in “ A Little Puritan Rebel,” etc. 


4 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 


By OUIDA (Louise de la Ramie) 

A Dog of Flanders : A Christmas Story. 

Too well and favorably known to require description. 

The Niirnberg Stove. 

This beautiful story has never before been published 
at a popular price. 

A Provence Rose. 

A story perfect in sweetness and in grace. 

Pindelkind. 

A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman. 

By MISS MULOCK 

The Little Lame Prince. 

A delightful story of a little boy who has many adven- 
tures by means of the magic gifts of his fairy godmother. 

Adventures of a Brownie. 

The story of a household elf who torments the cook 
and gardener, but is a constant joy and delight to the 
children who love and trust him. 

His Little Mother. 

Miss Mulock’s short stories for children are a constant 
source of delight to them, and “ His Little Mother,” in 
this new and attractive dress, will be welcomed by hosts 
of youthful readers. 

Little Sunshine’s Holiday. 

An attractive story of a summer outing. “ Little Sun- 
shine ” is another of those beautiful child-characters for 
which Miss Mulock is so justly famous. 


COSY CORNER SERIES 


5 


By JULIANA HO RATI A EWING 

Jackanapes. 

A new edition, with new illustrations, of this exquisite 
and touching story, dear alike to young and old. 

Story of a Short Life. 

This beautiful and pathetic story will never grow old. 
It is a part of the world’s literature, and will never die. 

A Great Emergency. 

How a family of children prepared for a great emer- 
gency, and how they acted when the emergency came. 

The Trinity Flower. 

In this little volume are collected three of Mrs. 
Ewing’s best short stories for the young people. 

Madam Liberality. 

From her cradle up Madam Liberality found her 
chief delight in giving. 

By FRANCES MARGARET FOX 

The Little Giant’s Neighbors. 

A charming nature story of a “ little giant ” whose 
neighbors were the creatures of the field and garden. 

Farmer Brown and the Birds. 

A little story which teaches children that the birds are 
man’s best friends. Miss Fox has an intimate knowl- 
edge of bird life and has written a little book which 
should take rank with “ Black Beauty ” and “ Beautiful 
Joe.” 

Betty of Old Mackinaw. 

A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to 
the little readers who like stories of “ real people.” 


6 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 


By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE 

The Farrier’s Dog and His Fellow. 

This story, written by the gifted young Southern 
woman, will appeal to all that is best in the natures of 
the many admirers of her graceful and piquant style. 

The Fortunes of the Fellow. 

Those who read and enjoyed the pathos and charm 
of “The Farrier’s Dog and His Fellow” will welcome 
the further account of the “ Adventures of Baydaw and 
the Fellow ” at the home of the kindly smith among the 
Green Hills of Tennessee. 

By FRANCES HODGES WHITE 

Helena’s Wonderworld. 

A delightful tale of the adventures of a little girl in 
the mysterious regions beneath the sea. 

Aunt Nabby’s Children. 

This pretty little story, touched with the simple humo.- 
of country life, tells of two children, who, adopted by 
Aunt Nabby, have also won their way into the affections 
of the village squire. 

By CHARLES LEE SLEIGHT 

The Prince of the Pin Elves. 

A fascinating story of the underground adventures of 
a sturdy, reliant American boy among the elves and 
gnomes. 

The Water People. 

A companion volume and in a way a sequel to “ The 
Prince of the Pin Elves,” relating the adventures of 
“ Harry” among the “ water people.” While it has the 
same characters as the previous book, the story is com- 
plete in itself. 


COSY CORNER SERIES 


7 


By OTHER AUTHORS 

The Story of Rosy Dawn. By pau- 

line Bradford Mackie. 

The Christmas of little Wong Jan, or “Rosy Dawn,” 
a young Celestial of San Francisco, is the theme of this 
pleasant little story. 

Susanne. By Frances J. Delano. 

This little story will recall in sweetness and appealing 
charm the work of Kate Douglas Wiggin and Laura E. 
Richards. 

nillicent in Dreamland. By Edna s. 

Brainerd. 

The quaintness and fantastic character of Millicent’s 
adventures in Dreamland have much of the fascination 
of “Alice in Wonderland,” and all small readers of 
“ Alice ” will enjoy making Millicent’s acquaintance. 

Jerry’s Adventures. By Evelyn Snead 
Barnett. 

This is an interesting and wholesome little story of 
the change that came over the thoughtless imps on Jef- 
ferson Square when they learned to know the stout- 
hearted Jerry and his faithful Peggy. 

A Bad Penny. By John t. wheelwright. 

No boy should omit reading this vivid story of the 
New England of 1812. 

Gatty and I. By Frances E. Crompton. 

The small hero and heroine of this little story are 
twins, “strictly brought up.” It is a sweet and whole- 
some little story. 


8 


Z. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 


The Fairy of the Rhone. By A. Comyns 

Carr. 

Here is a fairy story indeed, one of old-fashioned pure 
delight. It is most gracefully told, and accompanied by 
charming illustrations. 

A Small Small Child. By E. Livingston 
Prescott. 

“A Small Small Child” is a moving little tale of 
sweet influence, more powerful than threats or punish- 
ments, upon a rowdy of the barracks. 

Peggy’s Trial. By Mary knight potter. 

Peggy is an impulsive little woman of ten, whose 
rebellion from a mistaken notion of loyalty, and her sub- 
sequent reconciliation to the dreaded “ new mother,” are 
most interestingly told. 

For His Country. By Marshall Saunders, 
author of “ Beautiful Joe,” etc. 

A sweet and graceful story of a little boy who loved 
his country; written with that charm which has endeared 
Miss Saunders to hosts of readers. 

La Belle Nivernaise. the story of an 
Old Boat and Her Crew. By Alphonse 
Daudet. 

All who have read it will be glad to welcome an old 
favorite, and new readers will be happy to have it 
brought to their friendly attention. 

Wee Dorothy. By Laura updegraff. 

A story of two orphan children, the tender devotion 
of the eldest, a boy, for his sister being its theme and 
setting. With a bit of sadness at the beginning, the 
story is otherwise bright and sunny, and altogether 
wholesome in every way. 


COSY CORNER SERIES 


9 


Rab and His Friends. By Dr. John 
Brown. 

Doctor Brown’s little masterpiece is too well known 
to need description. The dog Rab is loved by all. 

The Adventures of Beatrice and 

Jessie, By Richard Mansfield. 

The story of two little girls who were suddenly trans- 
planted into the “ realms of unreality,” where they met 
with many curious and amusing adventures. 

A Child’s Garden of Verses. By r. 

L. Stevenson. 

Mr. Stevenson’s little volume is too well known, to 
need description. It will be heartily welcomed in this 
new and attractive edition. 

Little King Davie. By Nellie Hellis. 

The story of a little crossing-sweeper, that will make 
many boys thankful they are not in the same position. 
Davie’s accident, hospital experiences, conversion, and 
subsequent life, are of thrilling interest. 

The Sleeping Beauty, a modern ver- 
sion. By Martha B. Dunn. 

This charming story of a little fishermaid of Maine, 
intellectually “asleep” until she meets the “Fairy 
Prince,” reminds us of “ Ouida” at her best. 

The Young Archer. By Charles E. Brim- 

BLECOM. 

A strong and wholesome story of a boy who accom- 
panied Columbus on his voyage to the New World. 
His loyalty and services through vicissitudes and dan- 
gers endeared him to the great discoverer, and the 
account of his exploits will be interesting to all boys. 


IO L. C. PAGE & CO’S, cosy CORNER SERIES 

The Making of Zimri Bunker: a 

Tale of Nantucket. By W. J. Long, Ph. D. 

This is a charming story of Nantucket folk by a 
young clergyman who is already well known through 
his contributions to the Youth's Co7npanion, St. Nicho- 
las, and other well-known magazines. The story deals 
with a sturdy American fisher lad, during the war of 
1812. 

The King of the Golden River: a 

Legend of Stiria. By John Ruskin. 

Written fifty years or more ago, and not originally 
intended for publication, this little fairy tale soon 
became known and made a place for itself. 


Little Peterkin Vandike. By Charles 

Stuart Pratt. 

The author’s dedication furnishes a key to this charm- 
ing story : 

“ I dedicate this book, made for the amusement (and 
perchance instruction) of the boys who may read it, to 
the memory of one boy, who would have enjoyed as 
much as Peterkin the plays of the Poetry Party, but 
who has now marched, as they will march one day, out 
of the ranks of boyhood into the ranks of young man- 
hood.” 


Will o’ the mil. By Robert Louis 
Stevenson. 

An allegorical story by this inimitable and versatile 
writer. Its rare poetic quality, its graceful and delicate 
fancy, its strange power and fascination, justify its 
separate publication. 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


The Little Colonel’s House Party. By 

Annie Fellows Johnston. Illustrated by Louis Meynell. 
One vol., library i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . $1.00 

The Little Colonel’s Holidays. By Annie 

Fellows Johnston. Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman. 

One vol., large 1 2mo, cloth, decorative cover . . $1.50 

The Little Colonel’s Hero. By Annie Fel- 
lows Johnston. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth decorative, fully illus- 
trated ..... $1.20 net (postage extra) 

In these three stories Mrs. Johnston once more introduces 
us to the “ Little Colonel,” the dainty maiden who has already 
figured as the heroine of two previous stories, “ The Little 
Colonel” and “Two Little Knights of Kentucky,” and who 
has won her way into the hearts of old and young alike. She 
is more winsome and lovable than ever. 

Since the time of “ Little Women,” no juvenile heroine has 
been better beloved of her child readers than Mrs. Johnston’s 
“ Little Colonel.” 

A Puritan Knight Errant. By Edith robin- 

son, author of “ A Little Puritan Pioneer,” “ A Little Puri- 
tan’s First Christmas,” “ A Little Puritan Rebel,” etc. 
Library i2mo, cloth decorative, illustrated 

$1.20 net (postage extra). 
The charm of style and historical value of Miss Robinson’s 
previous stories of child life in Puritan days have brought 
them wide popularity. Her latest and most important book 
appeals to a large juvenile public. The “ knight errant ” of 
this story is a little Don Quixote, whose trials and their ulti- 
mate outcome will prove deeply interesting to their reader. 


2 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 


Ye Lyttle Salem Maide: A Story of Witch- 
craft. By Pauline Bradford Mackie. 

New illustrated edition. 

One volume, large i2mo, cloth, gilt top . . . $1.50 

A tale of the days of the reign of superstition in New Eng- 
land, and of a brave “lyttle maide,” of Salem Town, whose 
faith and hope and unyielding adherence to her word of honor 
form the basis of a most attractive story. A very convincing 
picture is drawn of Puritan life during the latter part of the 
seventeenth century. 

In Kings’ Houses : a tale of the days of 
Queen Anne. By Julia C. R. Dorr, author of “A 
Cathedral Pilgrimage,” etc. 

New illustrated edition. 

One volume, large i2mo, cloth, gilt top . . . $1.50 

The story deals with one of the most romantic episodes in 
English history. Queen Anne, the last of the reigning Stuarts, 
is described with a strong yet sympathetic touch, and the 
young Duke of Gloster, the “ little lady,” and the hero of the 
tale, Robin Sandys, are delightful characterizations. 


Gulliver’s Bird Book. Being the Newly Dis- 
covered Strange Adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, 
Now for the First Time Described and Illus- 
trated. By L. J. Bridgman, author of “ Mother Goose 
and Her Wild Beast Show,” etc. 

With upwards of 100 illustrations in color, large 
quarto, cloth ........ $1.50 

This is a most amusing and original book, illustrated with 
startlingly odd and clever drawings. If we may accept the 
account given in the preface, that renowned explorer, Lemuel 
Gulliver, left behind him certain memoirs which have re- 
mained unknown to the public up to the present day. Hav- 
ing now been brought to light and given to the world, these 
records establish beyond a doubt their author’s claim to be 
regarded as the discoverer of the Bouncing Ballazoon and a 
host of other creatures unknown to Darwin and Huxley. 


BOOKS FOB YOUNG PEOPLE 3 


’Tilda Jane. By Marshall Saunders, author of 
“ Beautiful Joe,” etc. 

One vol., i2mo, fully illustrated, cloth, decorative 

cover $1.50 

“ No more amusing and attractive child’s story has appeared for 
a long time than this quaint and curious recital of the adventures of 
that pitiful and charming little runaway. 

“ It is one of those exquisitely simple and truthful books that 
win and charm the reader, and I did not put it down until I had 
finished it — honest ! And I am sure that every one, young or old, 
who reads will be proud and happy to make the acquaintance of the 
delicious waif. 

“ I cannot think of any better book for children than this. I 
commend it unreservedly.” — Cyrus Townsend Brady . 


Miss Gray’s Girls ; or, summer days in the 
Scottish Highlands. By Jeannette A. Grant. 
With about sixty illustrations in half-tone and pen and ink 
sketches of Scottish scenery. 

One vol., large 1 2mo, cloth, decorative cover . . $1.00 

A delightfully told story of a summer trip through Scotland, 
somewhat out of the beaten track. A teacher, starting at 
Glasgow, takes a lively party of girls, her pupils, through the 
Trossachs to Oban, through the Caledonian Canal to Inver- 
ness, and as far north as Brora, missing no part of the match- 
less scenery and no place of historic interest. Returning 
through Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Melrose, and Abbotsford, 
the enjoyment of the party and the interest of the reader never 
lag. 


ChlimS. By Maria Louise Pool. Illustrated by L. 

J. Bridgman. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . . $1.00 

“ Chums ” is a girls’ book, about girls and for girls. It re- 
lates the adventures, in school and during vacation, of two 
friends. It is full of mingled fun and pathos, and carries the 
reader along swiftly to the climax, which is reached all too 
soon. 


4 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 


Little Bermuda. By Maria Louise Pool. Illus- 
trated by Louis Meynell. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . . $1.00 

Young people will follow eagerly the adventures of “ Little 
Bermuda ” from her home in the tropics to a fashionable 
American boarding-school. The resulting conflict between 
the two elements in her nature, the one inherited from her 
New England ancestry, and the other developed by her West 
Indian surroundings, gave Miss Pool unusual opportunity for 
creating an original and fascinating heroine. 

Black Beauty l The Autobiography of a Horse. 
By Anna Sewell. New Illustrated Edition. With 
twenty-five full-page drawings by Winifred Austin. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth decorative, gilt top . $1.25 

There have been many editions of this classic, but we con- 
fidently offer this one as the most appropriate and handsome 
yet produced. The illustrations are of special value and 
beauty. Mr. Austin is a lover of horses, and has delighted in 
tracing with his pen the beauty and grace of the noble animal. 

Feats on the Fiord : A Tale of Norwegian 
Life. By Harriet Martineau. With about sixty 
original illustrations and a colored frontispiece. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth decorative . . . $1.00 

This admirable book deserves to be brought to the attention 
of parents in search of wholesome reading for their children 
to-day. It is something more than a juvenile book, being 
really one of the most instructive books about Norway and 
Norwegian life and manners ever written. 

Timothy Dole. By Juniata Salsbury. With 
twenty-five illustrations. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth decorative . . . $1.00 

The youthful hero starts from home, loses his way, meets 
with startling adventures, finds friends, kind and many, grows 
to be a manly man, and is able to devote himself to bettering 
the condition of the poor in the mining region of Pennsylvania. 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 5 

Three Children of Galilee: A Life of Christ 

for the Young. By John Gordon. 

Beautifully illustrated with more than one hundred illus- 
trations. 

One vol., library i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . $1.00 

There has long been a need for a life of Christ for the 
young, for parents have recognized that their boys and girls 
want something more than a Bible story, a dry statement of 
facts, and that, in order to hold the attention of the youthful 
readers, a book on this subject should have life and movement 
as well as scrupulous accuracy and religious sentiment. 


Three Little Crackers, from down in dixie. 

By Will Allen Dromgoole, author of “The Farrier’s 
Dog,” etc., with fifty text and full-page illustrations, by E. 
B. Barry. 

One vol., library i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . $1.00 

A fascinating story for boys and girls, of a family of Ala- 
bama children who move to Florida and grow up in the South. 


Prince Harold, a Fairy Story. By l. f. 

Brown. With 60 full-page illustrations by Vitry. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . . $1.50 

A delightful fairy tale for children, dealing with the life of 
a young Prince, who, aided by the Moon Spirit, discovers, 
after many adventures, a beautiful girl whom he makes his 
Princess. 


The Fairy Folk of Blue Hill : A Story of 

Folk-Lore. By Lily F. Wesselhoeft, author of 
“ Sparrow the Tramp,” etc., with fifty-five illustrations from 
original drawings by Alfred C. Eastman. 

One vol., library i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . $1.00 

A new volume by Mrs. Wesselhoeft, well known as one of 
our best writers for the young, and who has made a host of 
friends among the young people. 


6 


L. C. PAGE AND COMPANY'S 



8 


33 C 70 

ST'-fo 

2VC 


Larry Hudson’s Ambition. By James otis, 

author of “ Toby Tyler,” etc. Illustrated by Eliot Keen. 

One vol., library i2mo, cloth, decorative cover . $1.25 

James Otis, who has delighted the juvenile public with so 
many popular stories, has written the story of the rise of the 
bootblack Larry. Larry is not only capable of holding his 
own and coming out with flying colors in the amusing adven- 
tures wherein he befriends the family of good Deacon Doak ; 
he also has the signal ability to know what he wants and to 
understand that hard work is necessary to win. 


The Adventures of a Boy Reporter in 

the Philippines. By Harry Steele Morrison, au- 
thor of “ A Yankee Boy’s Success.” 

One vol , large 1 2 mo, cloth, illustrated . . . $1.25 

A true story of the courage and enterprise of an American 
lad. It is filled with healthy interest, and will tend to stimu- 
late and encourage the proper ambition of the young reader. 


The Young Pearl Divers : a Story of Aus- 
tralian Adventure by Land and by Sea. By Lieut. 
H. Phelps Whitmarsh, author of “ The Mysterious 
Voyage of the Daphne ,” etc. Illustrated with twelve full- 
page half-tones by H. Burgess. 

One vol., large i2mo, cloth decorative . . . $1.00 

This is a splendid story for boys, by an author who writes in 
vigorous and interesting language of scenes and adventures 
with which he is personally acquainted. 


The Voyage of the Avenger *. in the days 

of the Dashing Drake. By Henry St. John. With 
twenty -five full-page illustrations by Paul Hardy. 

One vol., tall i2mo, cloth decorative, gilt top . . $1.50 

A book of adventure, the scene of which is laid in that stir- 
ring period of colonial extension when England’s famous naval 
heroes encountered the ships of Spain, both at home and in 
the West Indies. 












